Ms. Uraiwan Thienthong, Minister of Labour, Royal Thai Government,
Mr. Shinichi Hasegawa, Assistant Minister, Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, Government of Japan,
Distinguished delegates,
Ladies and gentlemen.

On behalf of the ILO, it is a great pleasure for me to welcome you here today to the annual Regional Seminar on the Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work and its Follow-Up.

The value of these annual seminars was once again reaffirmed by the recent report of the World Commissions on the Social Dimension of Globalization. Allow me to quote from the report on a Fair Globalization Creating Opportunities for All, "the current process of globalization is generating unbalanced outcomes, both between and within countries. Wealth is being created, but too many countries and people are not sharing in its benefits. They also have little or no voice in shaping the process. Seen through the eyes of the vast majority of women and men, globalization has not met their simple and legitimate aspirations for decent jobs and a better future for their children".

The report therefore calls for "a more inclusive process which is fair and brings benefits and real opportunities to more people and more countries", for a "social floor" to globalization. And here is where the ILO Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work and Its Follow-up has come to the fore international, regional and international agendas. This important human rights instrument provides a foundation and a roadmap for a fair and inclusive process of globalization in at least two respects.

Firstly, fundamental labour standards enable and empower all men and women to gain a fair share of the wealth created by globalization. Unless women and men are able to participate in, contribute to and benefit fairly and equitably, globalization loses its purpose. As someone put it, "there is no point to a globalization that reduces the price of a child's shoes, but costs the father his job". The Declaration recognizes that economic growth alone is not enough to ensure equity, social progress and poverty alleviation.

Secondly, core labour standards constitute "fair rules" governing global competition, trade, investment and labour migration. A fair and inclusive globalization means that core labour standards should not be used for protectionist trade purposes and that the comparative advantage of countries, particularly low-wage developing countries, must in no way be put in question. These principles are clearly stated in the Declaration and its Follow-up. And more and more countries are buying into the view that core labour standards constitute a minimum set of fair rules ensuring that global competition does not turn into "a race to the bottom".

"Fair rules" must involve the elimination of discrimination. The Declaration calls for equal opportunities and equal treatment for all workers, irrespective of race, colour, creed, sex or other characteristics that have nothing to do with their capabilities or the requirements of a job.

Asia represents the best and the worst of globalization. The Asian winners in the process of globalization have achieved remarkable rates of economic and social progress that have been a source of envy and that other countries throughout the world have been trying to emulate. Globalization has certainly enhanced the role of Asia in the world economy. But the changes have not been even between and within countries in Asia. Some countries have lost out and been increasingly marginalized; many social groups have become exposed to greater vulnerability and deprivation. Some two-thirds of the world's poor continue to live in the Asia Pacific Region, and poverty has a woman's face and a child's face. Poverty and vulnerability have also manifested in growing violence - one aspect that is of growing concern in the region is the trafficking of women and children into various forms of forced labour. The poor and unorganized face both political and administrative hurdles when trying to make their voices heard. Violations of trade union rights still trend to be common occurrence.

Your presence here today is proof of the desire to deal with these downsides of globalization and to use the Declaration and its Follow-Up to enable and empower all people: women and men, girls and boys, irrespective of colour, age, ethnicity, religion, disability, migrant status, HIV status, etc. to participate in, contribute to and benefit fairly from globalization.

Commitment to respect and promote fundamental principles and rights at work is especially important in this age of rapid globalization:
Internationally adherence to core labour standards sends positive messages about an economy and society, about democracy, respect for the rule of law, commitment to transparency and giving people a say in the decisions that affect their lives and livelihoods.

Domestically, the Declaration acts as a guide, helping economic growth to move in synchronization with social cohesion and progress, without prejudicing the different circumstances and preferences of individual States. This allows the benefits of integrating into the global economy and the promotion of decent work to be felt by all: governments, employers and workers.

Let me end by thanking the Japanese government for its generous sponsorship of this seminar. Their continued support for this process and for implementing the principles of the Declaration is very much appreciated.

I would also like to thank the Royal Thai Government for their backing, not only for this seminar but for the ILO's day-to-day work throughout the region. As the host of our Asia Pacific Headquarters, their support is invaluable.

I wish you a fruitful and constructive meeting.